GenØk is the national centre for biosafety and works closely with Norwegian authorithies on issues related to biosafety. Our main mission is to do research based on worse-case scenarios. At the moment we are the only independent research institute in the world with biosafety research as the main objective.

The Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety to the convention on Biological Diversity entered into force in 2003. The Protocol seeks to protect biological diversity from the potential hazards and risks of modern biotechnology. The Protocol also regulates trade, import and export, and it also focuses on capacity building in developing countries. The Protocol also refers to the principle of precautionary approach

Norway is one of the 143 countries that have signed the protocol and is thereby bound by its obligations regarding safe transfer, use of and handling of GMO. A major issue in connection with the Cartagena Protocol is appropriate capacity building and technology transfer that enables developing countries to fulfill their obligations under the Protocol. This is a challenge that requires cooperation at national, regional and international levels, including a high standard of teaching, training and methodology transfer from countries with institutions experienced in handling safety in relation to modern biotechnology.